NBA Free Agency 2016: Power Ranking Day 1 signings

One thing we knew for sure is that Dwight Howard was not returning to Houston. However, we didn’t truly have a grasp on where the former 3-time defensive player of the year was heading next.

After back-to-back disastrous seasons in Los Angeles with Kobe Bryant and in Houston with James Harden, Howard decided that no place is sweeter than home.

Ever since Howard left Orlando, his production has dipped dramatically.

Injuries to his back can be contributed to his downside, as his athleticism isn’t what it used to be. Sure, he showed flashes of it, but in Orlando, Howard was able to display it on a consistent basis.

Also, you can’t ignore the ball dominance of Kobe and Harden.

In Orlando, Stan Van Gundy’s team was as unselfish as it gets, which allowed Dwight to get plenty of touches in his sweet spots. Not to mention, those Orlando teams had great floor spacing due to their shooting prowess.

With Kyle Korver in town, things should open up for Howard inside and he won’t have near the pressure as he did in his previous two stops.

With all of that being said, Howard’s back still concerns me and he’s not getting any younger as he’ll turn 31-years-old in a matter of months.

Next: 5. Pat Riley keeps Whiteside